‘Dragnique’ finale on Friday to crown Atlanta’s next drag diva

When the incomparable drag legend Charlie Brown launched a “Drag Idol” series at his cabaret in Underground Atlanta, and eventually WETbar (which is now Primal), the scene gained greater interest with a viewer friendly format. It was kind of like a live reality show, where each week queens were dealt a drag challenge and the audience ultimately decided the winner.

Building on that concept, Dragnique took to the stage January 7 at Jungle — the only local venue with a true performance stage. While the idea stayed true to Atlanta’s earlier competition efforts, creator and drag host Eve Michaels took the production to a higher level with a video introduction, taped interviews with contestants and footage of the first challenge.

Beyond that, the contest was also a fundraiser, donating contestant tips to a different charity each week. Of course donating money is a wonderful idea, but I believe the true genius was widening the competition’s audience to include local non-profits and their interested patrons.

The audience determined each week’s winner, but judges helped lead the way.

Though RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Nicole Paige Brooks helmed the judge’s table each week, an interesting mix of guest judges—one “celebrity” judge, and one charity judge—filled other slots to various results. Some were hilarious and helpful in their critique, while others were rather dry or just plain mean.

Last week, in a surprise turn, Michaels eliminated two low scoring contestants, Alissah Brooks and wild card winner Pasha Nicole, leaving only two finalists: Gunza Blazin, a member of the spectacular fundraising Atlanta Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and Janelle Brooks, a captivating dancing diva.

The differences between the two are remarkable, and it should make for an interesting last hurrah.